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Facebook introduced the HTC First with Home for Android today, and now CEO Mark Zuckerberg is doing the press rounds and discussing everything from “Facebook phone,” building for Android, Google’s reaction to Home, and even why iOS was left in the dark.

During the unveiling event, Zuckerberg described building Home for Android as “smooth,” because the platform is open and does not require any Google intervention, where as Home for iOS would require a direct partnership with Apple.

In a wide-ranging interview at Wired.com this afternoon, Zuckerberg gave a more detailed explanation on why Facebook launched Home for Android phones instead of iOS, as well as why the company ditched the idea of building a phone directly:

Why not just build a phone?I’ve always been very clear that I don’t think that’s the right strategy. We’re a community of a billion-plus people, and the best-selling phones—apart from the iPhone—can sell 10, 20 million. If we did build a phone, we’d only reach 1 or 2 percent of our users. That doesn’t do anything awesome for us. We wanted to turn as many phones as possible into “Facebook phones.” That’s what Facebook Home is.

It’s only available on Android phones. Isn’t it ironic that your mobile strategy is now tied to Google’s operating system?“We have a pretty good partnership with Apple, but they want to own the whole experience themselves. There aren’t a lot of bridges between us and Google, but we are aligned with their open philosophy.”

So do you think in, say, two years you will have this on the iPhone?“That’s above my pay grade to be able to answer that.”

That’s a pretty high pay grade.
“Look, I would love for that answer to be yes. Facebook is in a very different place than Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and Microsoft. We are trying to build a community. We have a billion folks using our services now, and we want to get to 3 or 5 billion one day. We’re going to do that by building the best experience across all devices. Android is growing quickly, and we’re excited that the platform is open and that it allows us to build these great experiences. I think that this is really good for Google too. Something like this could encourage a lot of people to get Android phones, because I think people really care about Facebook. In a lot of ways, this is one of the best Facebook experiences that you can get. Of course, a lot of people also love iPhones—I love mine, and I would like to be able to deliver Facebook Home there as well.”

Zuckerberg also talked with Fortune.com today about Google’s reaction to Home and what it’s like working with Apple:

On what Google will think of Facebook’s use of the open Android platform:
“I’m not sure how they’re going to react.”

On working with Apple:
“They really control the operating system… Android is different because it’s a much more open platform.”

On Google vs. Apple in mobile:
“I think that Google has this opportunity in the next year or two to start doing the things that are way better than what can be done on iPhone through the openness of their platform. We’d love to offer this on iPhone and we just can’t today. And we will work with Apple to do the best experience that we can within what they want, but I think that a lot of people who really like Facebook–and just judging from the numbers, people are spending a fifth of their time in phones on Facebook, that’s a lot of people. This could really tip things in that direction. We’ll have to see how it plays out.”

Elyse Betters

April 4th

Facebook introduced the HTC First with Home for Android today, and now CEO Mark Zuckerberg is doing the press rounds and discussing everything from “Facebook phone,” building for Android, Google’s reaction to Home, and even why iOS was left in the dark.

During the unveiling event, Zuckerberg described building Home for Android as “smooth,” because the platform is open and does not require any Google intervention, where as Home for iOS would require a direct partnership with Apple.

In a wide-ranging interview at Wired.com this afternoon, Zuckerberg gave a more detailed explanation on why Facebook launched Home for Android phones instead of iOS, as well as why the company ditched the idea of building a phone directly:

Why not just build a phone?I’ve always been very clear that I don’t think that’s the right strategy. We’re a community of a billion-plus people, and the best-selling phones—apart from the iPhone—can sell 10, 20 million. If we did build a phone, we’d only reach 1 or 2 percent of our users. That doesn’t do anything awesome for us. We wanted to turn as many phones as possible into “Facebook phones.” That’s what Facebook Home is.

It’s only available on Android phones. Isn’t it ironic that your mobile strategy is now tied to Google’s operating system?“We have a pretty good partnership with Apple, but they want to own the whole experience themselves. There aren’t a lot of bridges between us and Google, but we are aligned with their open philosophy.”

So do you think in, say, two years you will have this on the iPhone?“That’s above my pay grade to be able to answer that.”

That’s a pretty high pay grade.
“Look, I would love for that answer to be yes. Facebook is in a very different place than Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and Microsoft. We are trying to build a community. We have a billion folks using our services now, and we want to get to 3 or 5 billion one day. We’re going to do that by building the best experience across all devices. Android is growing quickly, and we’re excited that the platform is open and that it allows us to build these great experiences. I think that this is really good for Google too. Something like this could encourage a lot of people to get Android phones, because I think people really care about Facebook. In a lot of ways, this is one of the best Facebook experiences that you can get. Of course, a lot of people also love iPhones—I love mine, and I would like to be able to deliver Facebook Home there as well.”

Zuckerberg also talked with Fortune.com today about Google’s reaction to Home and what it’s like working with Apple:

On what Google will think of Facebook’s use of the open Android platform:
“I’m not sure how they’re going to react.”

On working with Apple:
“They really control the operating system… Android is different because it’s a much more open platform.”

On Google vs. Apple in mobile:
“I think that Google has this opportunity in the next year or two to start doing the things that are way better than what can be done on iPhone through the openness of their platform. We’d love to offer this on iPhone and we just can’t today. And we will work with Apple to do the best experience that we can within what they want, but I think that a lot of people who really like Facebook–and just judging from the numbers, people are spending a fifth of their time in phones on Facebook, that’s a lot of people. This could really tip things in that direction. We’ll have to see how it plays out.”

Elyse Betters

April 4th

Vodafone is second only to China Mobile for the world’s largest mobile telecommunications companies due to 439 million subscribers and high revenues in December 2011.

CNET reported the deal would value Vodafone at $245 billion, if signed. For reference purposes: Verizon’s market cap is now at $142.09 billion, and AT&T sits at 205.88 billion.

The deal would also allow Verizon to acquire Vodafone’s 45 percent stake in U.S. operations. AT&T would then acquire the remaining business outside of the U.S.

The Financial Times, which cited “usually reliable people,” noted both U.S. carriers feel comfortable sharing the risk associated with such a huge deal and further believe it will pass any regulatory obstacles.

Elyse Betters

April 2nd

Vodafone is second only to China Mobile for the world’s largest mobile telecommunications companies due to 439 million subscribers and high revenues in December 2011.

CNET reported the deal would value Vodafone at $245 billion, if signed. For reference purposes: Verizon’s market cap is now at $142.09 billion, and AT&T sits at 205.88 billion.

The deal would also allow Verizon to acquire Vodafone’s 45 percent stake in U.S. operations. AT&T would then acquire the remaining business outside of the U.S.

The Financial Times, which cited “usually reliable people,” noted both U.S. carriers feel comfortable sharing the risk associated with such a huge deal and further believe it will pass any regulatory obstacles.

Elyse Betters

April 2nd

Google announced on the Official Google Blog earlier this month that it will retire Google Reader on July 1, 2013, but the brains behind Reeder, a Google Reader client, clarified that development of its apps will continue after July 1. Moreover, since explaining what’s in store for Reeder, both the Mac and iPad apps are now free starting April 1.

Feedly for iOS, another Google Reader client, updated to version 14 today and brought a new and improved Feed Search and Discovery function, as well as a Title Only View, Must Read section, and more control over layouts.

The update also enhanced Sharing & Save for Later and allows customization of Favorite Sharing Tool to social networks and Favorite Save for Later Tool to Pocket. Version 14 even added a “mark as read” card at the end of each sections, a pull-to-refresh ability in the home selector, and fixes for a logout bug.

Elyse Betters

April 1st

Aereo—the service that streams over-the-air local television to any Mac, iOS device, or PC running Safari for a monthly subscription—just landed a huge victory against television networks, as the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rebuffed an appeal today and ruled Aereo does not infringe broadcaster’s copyrights.

Aereo transmits television over the Internet, but local broadcasters claimed it does not have the legal license to operate. The Court of Appeals, however, agreed that Aereo’s system—14 of its antennas to be specific—operate independently and a license is irrelevant because subscribers stream their own copies of programs.

Each user-associated copy of a program created by Aereo’s system is generated from a unique antenna assigned only to the user who requested that the copy be made. The feed from that antenna is not used to generate multiple copies of each program for different Aereo users but rather only one copy: the copy that can be watched by the user to whom that antenna is assigned. Thus even if we were to disregard Aereo’s copies, it would still be true that the potential audience of each of Aereo’s transmissions was the single user to whom each antenna was assigned. It is beyond dispute that the transmission of a broadcast TV program received by an individual’s rooftop antenna to the TV in his living room is private, because only that individual can receive the transmission from that antenna, ensuring that the potential audience of that transmission is only one person. Plaintiffs have presented no reason why the result should be any different when that rooftop antenna is rented from Aereo and its signals transmitted over the internet: it remains the case that only one person can receive that antenna’s transmissions.

Aereo launched in New York City last March and has since landed in dozens of cities, but it has consistently battled opposition from television networks, like Fox, CBS, and NBC, as they attempted to halt its expansion during the last year. Due to today’s ruling, though, as first noted by The Verge, television networks would now need to win an appeal through either the Second Circuit or Supreme Court in order to block Aereo.

The iPad flight bag essentially swaps 40 pounds of flight manuals, maps, other bulky documents with an iPad for each pilot and a Hypermac backup battery that extends the iOS tablet’s battery life an extra 24 hours.

Since both pilots will be carrying an iPad, coupled with the extended batteries, the FAA feels this is as redundant as the regular manuals. A few weeks ago we saw our first mounts in our MD-80, so I felt a video tour might explain how the setup works and just what it replaces. So far American has approval for the 777, 737, MD-80 and is just awaiting approval for the 757/767 fleet. Hopefully, this will be just in time for my return to that airplane, as once you use this setup, you won’t want to go back to the paper.

American Airlines was the first to get official authorization for all pilots during phases of flight, but it had to test the iPad in a hypobaric chamber to get approval. The test basically simulated how the device would respond during a rapid decompression. The company also had to conduct mount testing with the FAA.

Watch the video above to see American Airlines’ iPad Electronic Flight Bag in action.

Canon notably manufactures compact digital cameras, as well as film SLR and digital SLR cameras, and now it has bulked its impressive lineup with the new EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera, EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR, and PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera.

The Rebel SL1 is the most noteworthy addition. Touted as the “World’s Smallest and Lightest DSLR Camera,” and in fact SL stands for “super lightweight,” the camera weighs just 14 ounces. Despite its smaller size, the SL1 carries a standard kit EF-S 18-55mm IS STM optic EOS lens, 3-inch Clear View LCD monitor with two-finger touch gesture support, 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and DIGIC 5 image processor that allows up to four FPS.

The camera also offers an ISO range of 100-12800 for photos and ISO-6400 for video, as well as handles 1080p video at 34 or 30 FPS, and it features a built-in mono mic and stereo input jack.

The EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera will become available in April at $649.99 for the body or $799.99 bundled with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens, but it is available for pre-order at B&H now.

For more information on the EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera Canon, as well as the EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR for easy video capture and PowerShot SX280 HS with built-in Wi-Fi, see 9to5Toys.

Elyse Betters

March 21st

9to5Mac has once again scoured the App Store for all the latest app launches, price drops, noteworthy news, and updates, and we have compiled everything in a roundup below. Check it out, but keep coming back as we continually refresh the list throughout the day.

Updated

1. DataMan Pro | $4.99 (usual $9.99)
Version 7.2 of this overage-tracking app hit the App Store with support for more data plan types. It also includes monthly, 30-days, weekly, and the newly-added daily plan that allows users to track their data usage everyday with app and location statistics. The app is currently 50-percent off for Easter.

2. Grokr: Intelligent Search | Free
Version 1.2 of this search-and-discovery app that provides a Google Now-like experience to iOS users launched with a total redesign today. The update includes a new sports tile, recommended title, events tile, and news sources and sports teams. The app also now sports personalized notifications and Beta-tile for new features.

More Updates

3. RetailMeNot Coupons | Free
Version 2.1 of this coupon and deal app now allows users to search for savings at nearby malls and browse recommended merchants. The update also boasts AirPrint support for in-store coupons and bug fixes to help users get coupons faster.

4. Block Fortress | $1.99
Version 1.0.1 of this build-and-fight game features various big fixes and optimizations, but it also added an option to play survival on an easier difficulty, game options to the pause window, iCloud support to sync character’s data, and a tutorial button info prompt. The update also increased up/down look angle, the hp of terrain blocks significantly, and the firing arcs for most turrets, as well as repositioned the attack button on widescreen devices and changed the way data is stored.

News

1. WhatsApp Messenger | 99 cents
WhatsApp plans to align its iOS app with its apps on other platforms via an annual subscription service. TechCrunch has the story:

Jan Koum, WhatsApp’s CEO, says that the company is planning this year to shift its iOS app to one where new users would pay annually to keep using, taking it away from a one-off download fee and bringing it in line with how it is distributed on the Android, BlackBerry, Nokia and Windows Phone platforms.

The new subscription model would apply to new users, Koum said, and would likely follow the same pricing structure as its other apps, which are free for the first year and then cost $1/year, compared to the single, for-life $0.99 purchase that users make on iOS today. “We’re relaxed on dates, but definitely this year. It’s on the road map,” Koum said.

2. ABCTelevision network ABC is allegedly developing tablet and smartphone apps that will allow cable or satellite subscription-viewers to stream its programming. The New York Times reported on Monday that the apps are reminiscent of WatchESPN and Watch Disney that ABC’s parent company Disney launched last year, although those apps also allow non-subscribers to watch a limited collection of episodes, and they will further Disney’s TV Everywhere initiative.

3. XBMC 12.1
XBMC 12.1 now brings full-resolution support on the iPhone 5, Raspberry Pi player optimization, and iOS 6 support for Apple TV 2. The full list of changes includes:

XBMC now supports using OSX’s default output device for audio as well as hardware decoding with Intel GPUs in OSX

XBMC for Linux no longer hogs audio and audio on resume will continue to work in Linux

Full resolution is now enabled iPhone 5

Volume buttons on Android devices Android now control volume, rather than XBMC volume

Volume buttons on OSX OSX volume control devices once again, rather than XBMC volume

Player optimization on the Raspberry Pi, Including more December efficient playback, better subtitle support, and many crash fixes

iOS 6 support on the AppleTV 2.

XBMC does not crash When listed on the top shelf AppleTV

Added support for additional Xbox 360 controller types

Broader and more intelligent support for CEC devices

Fixed problems with several addons to two broken binary read / write in our python interface

Elyse Betters

March 19th

Wacom, a graphics drawing tool most pro designers tote around or at the very least drool over, introduced a compact tablet with a full HD display on Tuesday called Cintiq 13HD.

As the name suggests, the Cintiq 13HD boasts a 13.3-inch, 1,920-by-1,080-pixel resolution, wide-angle display mounted on an adjustable, three-point stand that is also detachable. The entire form factor debuts at 4.75-by-9.75-by-0.5 inches and 2.65 pounds, which is considerably smaller and more mobile than the earlier 22HD, 24HD, and 24HD touch Cintiq models that are mostly stationary and gobble up 2 feet of desktop space.

The chassis notably sports four changeable shortcut buttons, called ExressKeys, the classic Rocker Ring, and a home button, and the swanky tablet further comes with Wacom’s famous pen. The cordless and battery-free Pro Pen specifically touts 2,048 levels of pressure, tilt recognition, and two side toggles, and it includes nine various—standard, felt, and stroke— nibs, a desk stand, and carry case.

Last but not least, a regular USB 2.0 data connection through a three-in-one cable pipes the HD display power and signal. The Wacom Cintiq 13HD for Mac and Windows computers launches in early April for $999 in the United States and £749.99 in the United Kingdom.

Get the full press release below.

Wacom’s Cintiq Line Draws Attention with its Slim, New 13-inch Interactive Pen Display

The Cintiq 13HD offers creative professionals a compact interactive pen display with high quality HD resolution and improved pen feel for a digital experience consistent with Wacom’s family of Cintiqs

Vancouver, Wash. – Mar. 19, 2013 – Wacom® today announces the Cintiq® 13HD, a new addition to its lineup of Cintiq interactive pen displays aimed at creative professionals working in areas such as design, art and image editing. Wacom’s newest pen display combines a 13-inch HD screen, an adjustable stand and an improved Pro Pen for a digital workflow that feels just like drawing or painting with traditional media. Offering a natural experience, the Cintiq 13HD is easily integrated into any environment, making it an ideal tool to support creativity and enhance
productivity.

Key to the Cintiq 13HD is its compact, slim design and easy setup with both Mac and PC.computers. For complete comfort, whether positioning it on your desk or in your lap, the Cintiq 13HD’s stand is optimized for use in a choice of four settings – flat, 22°, 35° and 50°.

HD Quality Screen
Perfect for professional artists, graphics designers and photographers, the Cintiq 13HD ‘s best-in-class screen displays 16.7 million colors to ensure crisp color quality. In addition, the wide-format HD LED display’s 178° viewing angle and 1920×1080 resolution are particularly beneficial to those working with intricate graphics or images.

The Full Cintiq Experience
As with all Wacom interactive pen displays, the Cintiq 13HD enables users to create directly on screen for a seamless process that feels natural and speeds production. Offering 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity as well as tilt recognition, the new and improved cordless and battery-free Pro Pen delivers superior comfort, precision and control.

To further improve workflow and productivity, frequently used shortcut commands are available at the user’s fingertips through the Cintiq 13HD’s four customizable and application-specific ExpressKeys™ and Rocker Ring. Making use of these shortcuts can save valuable time by minimizing dependency on the keyboard.

With the proven Cintiq 22HD, Cintiq 24HD and Cintiq 24HD touch already in service, Wacom’s Cintiq 13HD is a valuable addition to its pen display portfolio, which increasingly supports a variety of workflow requirements and budgets.

Pricing and Availability
The new Cintiq 13HD is priced at $999.95 (USD) and is scheduled to be available in early April at Wacom’s eStore and other select retailers.